(251031) -- QAPQAL, Oct. 31, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Wu Junliang is a 37-year-old archer from Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, a border county in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - also proudly known as the hometown of Chinese archery. Wu is a recognized inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage "Traditional Xibe Archery" and he has joined the "heritage-in-schools" initiative, offering free archery training to primary school students. He is called the "champion coach" by students.

Recognized for his strong arms and steady composure, Wu was admitted to a local archery school at the age of 16 to receive professional training. With outstanding talent, he quickly emerged, winning gold and silver medals in competitions at various levels. After retiring, he was hired as an archery coach for visitors at the Xibe Ancient Town.

For over a decade, Wu further studied traditional bows and taught himself multiple skills including horseback archery and rapid shooting at moving targets. As traditional bow competitions increased, he participated nationwide, winning multiple championships and training a number of apprentices.

As intangible-heritage tourism gains popularity in recent years, Wu opened a 300-square-meter archery club in Yining City earlier this year, highlighting traditional bow culture. Wu Junliang (R) and his apprentice Jiang Kaiwen carrying bows, arrows and a target walk on a hill in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Oct. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)